sweepstakes

/'swi:psteik/ Cách viết khác : (sweepstakes) /'swi:psteiks/
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sweepstakes

A woman receives a sweepstakes prize notification in the mail.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A type of lottery or gambling contest: A sweepstakes is a competition where participants enter for a chance to win a prize, typically a large sum of money. The prize fund is often formed from the entry fees paid by all the participants, meaning the winner "sweeps" the pool of money.
    • A horse race in which the entire prize money is awarded to the winner: In historical and specific contexts, it refers to a type of horse race where the winner takes all the stakes.
Usage and Examples
  • Noun:
    • She entered an online sweepstakes to win a new car.
    • The charity organized a sweepstakes to raise funds, with the prize being a luxury vacation.
    • The Kentucky Derby originated as a sweepstakes.
Advanced Usage and Notes
  • Legal and Promotional Context: In modern usage, especially in marketing, "sweepstakes" often refers to promotional contests where entry is free (no purchase necessary) to comply with laws, distinguishing it from a traditional lottery which requires payment. The prize is provided by the sponsor.
    • The company ran a promotional sweepstakes where you could enter by mailing in a postcard.
  • "Sweepstakes" as Plural: The word is often used with a plural verb form, even when referring to a single contest (e.g., "The sweepstakes are open now"), though singular usage is also accepted.
Variants and Related Words
  • Sweepstake (noun): A less common singular form of "sweepstakes," often used interchangeably but sometimes referring to a single instance of such a contest.
  • Lottery (noun): A general term for a game of chance where winners are selected by a random drawing. A sweepstakes is a specific type of lottery.
  • Raffle (noun): A lottery in which people buy tickets for a chance to win specific prizes. Unlike some sweepstakes, a raffle always involves purchasing a ticket.
Synonyms
  • Lottery
  • Draw
  • Contest (in the promotional sense)
Idioms and Fixed Phrases
  • To win the sweepstakes: To win a large, often unexpected, prize or sum of money. Used figuratively to describe any great, lucky success.
    • Getting that job straight out of college was like winning the sweepstakes.
sweepstakes

A woman receives a sweepstakes prize notification in the mail.

Noun
  1. a lottery in which the prize consists of the money paid by the participants